three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

 also  -dī-

1

: of, relating to, or having three dimensions

2

: giving the illusion of depth or varying distances

—used especially of an image or a pictorial representation on a two-dimensional medium when this illusion is enhanced by stereoscopic means

3

: describing or being described in well-rounded completeness

a three-dimensional analysis of multiple historical processes

—L. L. Snyder

4

: true to life : lifelike

three-dimensionality

ˈthrē-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• lifelike
• living
• natural
• naturalistic
• naturalist
• near
• photo-realistic
• realistic

Examples of three-dimensional in a Sentence

an actress who has been acclaimed for her three-dimensional portrayal of the celebrated monarch

Recent Examples on the Web

This work at the London Art Fair for Oliver Projects marks a thoughtful departure from his earlier fully three-dimensional sculptures. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Her approach is more three-dimensional, drawing on everything from vintage magazine archives and glamorous couture to text exchanges with Charli XCX. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025

This past fall, for Carolina Herrera’s spring 2025 collection, designer Wes Gordon played with polka dots in a few different ways, from floral crocheted dresses to contrasting inverted takes on black and white polka dots to three-dimensional floral polka dots. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 18 Jan. 2025

Advocates say that people with dyslexia tend to be good problem solvers and adept at three-dimensional thinking. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

three-dimensional

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or having three dimensions (as length, width, and height)

2

: giving the appearance of depth or varying distances